“Dunn’s River Falls is one of Jamaica’s national treasures. Globally, it is as well known as reggae and equally stimulating. There are few places where the Arawak name “Xayamaca” – land of rivers and springs – is more apt. The Spaniards called the area “Las Chorreras”, the waterfalls or springs and it is truly one of the most beautiful spots on the island. Dunn’s River Falls is an astounding flowing falls that extends across more than 183 metres or 960 feet and is one of the most well-loved travel destinations on the island and a ‘must-do’ bucket list item.

Another remarkable point is that the Dunn’s River is one of the few rivers in the world that flows directly into the Caribbean Sea.

The most popular activity is climbing up the falls and then hanging out in one of the several lagoons or pools along the way. Climbing Dunn’s River Falls has been done by locals as well as so many tourists for so long that it is quite easy to believe that the waterfall was made for climbing. However, in truth and in fact, Dunn’s River Falls is totally natural and all of the structures, crevices, and natural pools of water were created by the actual flow of the water’s current.”

Hope Zoo was opened to the public in 1961 and was conceived as a Caribbean and Central American zoo. Its aim was to display as wide a variety of animals as possible. The Zoo until 2005 was owned and operated under the Central Government within the Public Gardens Division.

Inadequate funding and subsequent loss of the animal collection led to the overall deterioration of the facility and a decline in the public interest.

This combination of factors in 2005 paved the way for Central Government to start leasing the facility. In November 2011 the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation (HZPF) assumed full management authority under the helm of Mr. Kenneth S. Benjamin OJ, CD, LLD(Hon.), JP as the executive chairman.